University life - don't give up!

A young man wrote to me recently, asking me for advice about his situation. He was a freshman at university and, after a good start, felt that he was getting discouraged with his life there. Here is what I told him : 

 

University life is difficult, especially if you are far away from your home. I'm sure you miss your family and friends. 

Two things might help you: 

1. Make sure you get lots of exercise. Run, walk, get active. The more exercise you get, the better you will feel. You will have more energy for schoolwork and you will sleep better, too. 

2. Set a goal for yourself. Although your major may not be your favourite, set a goal for yourself. something like "I will get a B in this course", or an A, depending on your abilities. 

Some other ideas: Write a log in QQ or renren. Let everyone know how you feel. If you are sad, tell people that. Your friends will read that and try to cheer you  up.

Join a club on campus. Clubs are great for meeting other people and having fun. Sure, you have to study but you can also take some time for yourself. 

Volunteer to help out at a school or a senior's home. Maybe you can tutor younger people in your best subject. Remember this: When you are down and out, there is always someone worse off than you. Help them and you will help yourself. Every nice thing you do will come back to you. Life is like that. As we say in English, what goes around, comes around. This is the old 'yin yang' isn't it? When you help others, you are helping yourself.  

I hope these ideas help. Don't lay around feeling sorry for yourself! Get up and enjoy life! This will all end soon and you'll be working. You have time now to do the things you want. Once you start working, it will be hard to have as much fun.

 

Thanks for reading. I'm not a psychologist but I have been around a long time. Let me know if you need some help.